Arsene Wenger is keen for Giroud to add another dimension to an Arsenal attack which often favours patient build-up play over a more direct approach.

"It is true that we do not always cross on the first chance, but it is something we have to work on," the 62-year-old said.

"This is important for us because teams come here to defend and we often got the possession. We need to be more effective in the final pass."

Giroud had to settle for a place on the bench on Saturday as Lukas Podolski started in a central striking role, and Wenger revealed that the German will regularly feature in the middle, rather than from wide areas, as many had predicted.

"I see him as a centre-forward, but he has some work to do, to change his game a little bit, make runs in behind to protect the ball and move around the box," the Frenchman added.

"When you come from a wide position, it is not easy to do that, but he will get there. He is a fantastic finisher, but had no real opportunity."